South Shore News...letter: When Overrides Aren't Enough and Infrastructure Can't Wait
October 7-8, 2025
Another busy week across the South Shore brought major fiscal decisions, school policy changes, and infrastructure developments that will shape our communities for years to come. From Cohasset’s $27 million public safety building delay to Plymouth’s elimination of merit-based vocational admissions, local officials grappled with questions about fiscal sustainability, educational equity, and how to balance competing priorities in an era of rising costs and limited revenue growth.
The most striking pattern this week: nearly every municipality is confronting the same fundamental challenge—how to maintain services and invest in infrastructure when fixed costs are growing far faster than revenues. Hanover faces $3.5 million annual deficits by 2031 despite a recent override. Rockland’s Union Point development can’t proceed without solving water infrastructure problems. Kingston appointed a federal lobbyist to its school committee as officials brace for an override campaign. The common thread? Communities are running out of easy answers.
MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Cohasset Delays $27M Public Safety Building to Spring
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The Select Board pulled the plug on a November vote for its public safety building project after costs nearly tripled from the initial $10.4 million estimate to $27.5 million. Originally approved in 2023 with what officials now admit was a “best-guess estimate” to quickly acquire the 135 King Street property, the revised budget accounts for converting a commercial building to Risk Category IV public safety standards—a legal requirement nobody factored into that initial number. Board Chair Ellen Maher cited lack of clarity on Phase 2 costs, operational plans for two fire stations, and insufficient benchmarking data. The delay allows time for community engagement but virtually guarantees higher costs due to market volatility. The existing facilities remain non-compliant with state regulations, creating what Police Chief William Quigley called an “approaching gross negligence” situation.
Hanover Schools Launch 10-Year Capital Strategy
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Rather than reactionary spending, Superintendent Matthew Ferron pitched a strategic approach to aging buildings: a $600,000 FY27 refurbishment package for urgent repairs followed by potential MSBA applications for new construction. The package includes roof repairs at the Middle School, HVAC fixes at the High School (where classrooms hit 80+ degrees due to a defunct Main Pool Company system), carpet replacement, and ADA upgrades. The twist? These are repairs the district needs regardless of whether it pursues $3-6 million major renovations or waits 8-10 years for a new building through MSBA. Committee member Libby Corbo urged starting MSBA applications now, warning that the state has historically closed application windows for budgetary reasons. The strategic approach coordinates with Town Manager Joe Colangelo’s town-wide 10-year capital planning effort.
Rockland Faces Years Without Union Point Tax Revenue
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Here’s the harsh reality: “Absolutely none” of Union Point’s Phase 1 development—2,000 residential units and 600,000 square feet of commercial space—can happen in Rockland without water capacity. New England Development told the Select Board that all Phase 1 development will be pushed into Weymouth, potentially delaying Rockland’s share of an estimated $4.8 million in annual net tax revenue for six to seven years until MWRA connection is complete. The developer offered a potential interim solution: funding $300,000 in studies for the Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works to assess capacity improvements, with the developer reserving created capacity temporarily and returning it to the towns once MWRA comes online. Without this fix, sophisticated commercial operators—including a grocer employing 6,800 people—won’t commit. As developer John Twohig warned: retailers have “opened to buy for a period of time. If you can’t deliver, that’s fine. They’re just going to go somewhere else.”
Hull Uses Eminent Domain for Critical Seawall Section
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In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Select Board authorized immediate seizure of 948 Nantasket Avenue to complete the final section of the $16 million seawall project before nor’easter season. The town awarded $94,000 in damages after months of unsuccessful negotiations with an out-of-state owner who proved “very difficult to work with,” according to Waterways Project Manager Kevin Mooney. The previous owner had been cooperative, but when he sold, nothing obligated him to include easement stipulations. Town Counsel Brian Winner confirmed they “ran out of time” as the project schedule demanded action to avoid leaving an exposed section vulnerable through winter storms. The section addresses a “kink” in the existing wall that causes waves to crash over during storms. With 1,215 feet of new wall already built out of 1,576 feet planned, completion is expected before Thanksgiving.
Weymouth Invests in Fish Ladder
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The Town Council unanimously approved spending $163,125 in Community Preservation Act funds for a fish ladder on Smelt Brook to restore spawning access blocked since the 1970s by flood control infrastructure. The $1.3 million project leverages 75% federal funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, with Weymouth and Braintree splitting the local 25% share through the Pond Meadow partnership. Conservation Administrator Andrew Hultin noted that smelt in the Fore River represent “one of the more robust smelt populations in the state” and are closely monitored as the species declines across the East Coast. Pond Meadow staff will handle minimal maintenance—primarily occasional sediment removal—and are experienced managing the entire watershed from dam to flood control tunnels.
Plymouth Debates $578K Visitor Center Renovation
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The Select Board voted 3-2 against reducing Advisory and Finance Committee’s full $378,513 funding recommendation for waterfront Visitor Center renovations, despite uncertainty about a $200,000 state grant. The project would add 1,000 square feet of indoor space and two ADA-compliant bathrooms accessible through a new entrance—critical since the building currently has only one entrance/exit, a major safety violation. Board member Kevin Canty wanted to stick with the original $178,518 supplemental funding and only authorize full spending if the grant comes through. But Everett Malaguti argued that waiting until April town meeting would stall the project three months past July 1st, drive escalation costs up 25-40%, and interrupt the tourism season. Chair David Golden sided with the “ever-rising cost of construction” argument and the town’s history of neglecting buildings “at our own peril.”
FISCAL CHALLENGES & BUDGET PRESSURES
Hanover Projects $3.5M Annual Deficits Despite Override
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Town Manager Joe Colangelo delivered sobering news: even after the 2025 operational override, Hanover faces projected deficits of $908,000 in FY27, over $1 million in FY28, and ballooning to $2.5-3.5 million annually in FY29-31. The culprits? Plymouth County retirement assessments growing 7.5% to $6.5 million, health insurance climbing 7% to $4.7 million, and ROC collaborative assessment jumping 29% as federal grants expire. Municipal departments are capped at 2.5% growth, schools at 3%, while approximately 94% of revenues come from property taxes growing at roughly 3% annually under Proposition 2½. “In fiscal year 29 through 31, it’s more problematic,” Colangelo warned. “I don’t think anyone has a direct answer of how to address that.” The board discussed using excess levy capacity gradually, but Colangelo cautioned that approach would eliminate flexibility for future years. One bright spot: the town identified $706,000 in funds to return to various accounts from projects dating back to FY2012.
Whitman Considers 40R Smart Growth for State Payments
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The Select Board held a public hearing on a proposed 40R Smart Growth Zoning District that would bring an immediate $350,000 state payment plus $3,000 per housing unit built near the MBTA station. The overlay district covers approximately 40 acres along South Avenue and Pond Street, targeting underutilized industrial sites with minimum densities of 8 units per acre for single-family, 12 for townhomes, and 20 for multifamily. At least 20% of units must be affordable to households earning 80% of AMI. The timing matters: Select Board member Shawn Kain warned that Whitman’s retirement assessment will jump from $3.5 million currently to over $5 million within five years—increases that will consume most new revenue growth. Plymouth County Treasurer Tom O’Brien confirmed limited flexibility in the funding schedule and noted the state has repeatedly rejected pension obligation bonds despite potential savings. A ZBA chairman reported that a property owner at 185 Franklin Street considering a 40B development has expressed willingness to pursue 40R instead if the town adopts it.
Kingston Appoints Lobbyist to School Committee Amid Budget Crisis
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In a joint meeting, boards appointed Jennifer Krowchun—a federal lobbyist with 18 years of experience—to fill a vacant school committee seat, explicitly seeking expertise in budgets and override campaigns as the district faces potential tax increases. During questioning, Krowchun distinguished herself by addressing the political complexity of asking residents for higher taxes: “You know, their own budgets at their house are really hurting, and they’re talking about increasing taxes while fees are going up for stuff, and clothing costs, and food, and everything.” She emphasized the need for a long-term fiscal plan “to not keep coming back to the well like this.” In a separate vote, the board removed a $100,000 article for a half-year police sergeant position 3-2, with Board member Carl Pike stating “I don’t like having significant operating items on fall town meeting.” Chief Brian Holmes indicated he’ll return with alternative funding proposals, potentially through grants or budget reallocations. The moves underscore Kingston’s constrained fiscal environment facing all departments.
Halifax Commits to Overdose Prevention Program
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The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved an annual contribution of $9,896 from opioid settlement funds to Plymouth County Outreach, which has achieved a 32% reduction in fatal overdoses across the county. The program, started in 2017, has become a national model with 27 municipal police departments participating. PCO Executive Director Vicky Butler noted the collaboration provides post-overdose follow-up, at-risk referrals, mobile drop-in centers, and family peer support. Halifax Police Chief Joao Chaves confirmed the town has participated since inception but previous federal grants meant no municipal contributions were required. Halifax has received $84,199.84 from opioid settlements since March 2024, with approximately $280,000 expected through 2039. The settlement funds can only be used for opioid-related programs, making this a strategic allocation from restricted money.
SCHOOLS: POLICY CHANGES & PLANNING
Plymouth Eliminates Merit-Based Vocational Admissions
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The School Committee voted 4-1 to approve a state-mandated lottery system for College, Career and Technical Education programs, completely eliminating the previous point system based on grades, attendance, and teacher recommendations. Under the new policy required by DESE by November 1st, students receive lottery entries solely for: submitting an application, meeting attendance standards (fewer than 27 unexcused absences over 270 school days), and maintaining discipline records free of serious infractions. School Committee member Ashley Shaw supported the change: “Most of the tech students that I know are not academic students. Most of the people that went into technical studies that I know as an adult who are great plumbers, who are great electricians, who are great mechanics, didn’t get good grades in school.” Paul Samargedlis expressed reservations while acknowledging the mandate: “I think when something is sought after, I know a lot of carpenters who are great at algebra.” CCTE Director Mark Duffy reported approximately 25% of applicants do not gain admission in initial lotteries, with seats sometimes opening as students discover vocational paths aren’t for them.
Pembroke Advances Competency Determination Policy
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The School Committee gave first-read approval to a comprehensive competency determination policy establishing new course-based graduation standards to replace MCAS testing. The policy affects current 9th and 10th graders, with determinations made on a rolling basis rather than waiting until senior year. Building principals will make competency determinations with an appeal process for families. Superintendent Erin Obey emphasized: “Yes, completing 9th and 10th grade is great. That’s the first step towards meeting our graduation requirements, but there’s a lot of other things that students are required to do in Pembroke before we certify them for graduation.” The committee also approved an additional $452,000 in funding from fall town meeting—$182,000 in Chapter 70 state aid and $270,000 in new growth revenue—allowing the district to potentially unfreeze some positions frozen during budget cuts, though Obey cautioned against hiring “just to hire” without strong candidates.
Hingham Appoints School Building Committee Members
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The School Committee unanimously appointed Brian Mulkerrin, Shane Nolan, and Angela Thedinga to the seven-member 2025 Hingham School Building Committee, joining two appointments each from the Select Board and town moderator. The committee received an extensive entry plan from new Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Christine Panarese, revealing that students with disabilities have increased from 13.6% in 2021 to 18.6% in 2025 even as overall enrollment declined. Achievement gaps persist, particularly at the high school level, with only 35% of students with disabilities meeting/exceeding expectations in ELA compared to 85% without disabilities. The primary concern identified through listening sessions: lack of trust in the special education department. Panarese has implemented several initiatives including transitioning to new legal counsel, partnering with Landmark and New England Center for Children, and establishing clear ESY communication protocols ensuring parent notification no later than April.
Hull Schools Approve Music Field Trips
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The School Committee unanimously approved two major music field trips marking the return of beloved traditions suspended since COVID-19. Sixth and 7th grade chorus students (41 total) will perform the national anthem at a Providence Bruins game January 14th, receiving commemorative caps and Jumbotron features. Sixth and 7th grade band students (56 total) will compete at the “Trills and Thrills Music Festival” at Canobie Lake Park June 5th, performing at Nashua High School for judging by retired music teachers and collegiate professors before enjoying the park. Music teacher Andrew St. George plans fundraising through Guilty Bakery cookie dough and cupcake sales to offset costs, tied to the school’s house challenge system. School Committee member Aleeza Hagerty suggested providing bagged lunches rather than requiring students to bring $25 for food, which Superintendent Mike Jette agreed to arrange. The meeting also celebrated the Jacobs School’s state recognition as one of only 22 schools (out of 1,817) to return to pre-pandemic achievement levels in ELA.
Marshfield High School Launches Flex Block Program
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Principal Amy Cetner presented extensive results from the new flex block program, which replaced the traditional 15-minute homeroom with a structured 30-minute period. On Mondays, students attend “anchor day” with an assigned teacher they’ll keep throughout high school, reviewing grades and scheduling themselves for Tuesday-Friday flex periods. Teachers can “pull in” and “lock” students needing specific support. The MyFlexLearning platform integrates with Aspen, automatically assigning students who fail to self-schedule based on lowest grades. Cetner reported “extremely successful” early results, noting the program enables more semester and year-long electives since students previously taking 2-3 study halls can now use daily flex block and take additional courses instead. School Committee member Kendra Stetson shared a personal testimonial about her son missing school for a medical procedure and using flex block to catch up immediately. The meeting also opened with an emotional “Spotlight on Excellence” honoring committee member Lara Brait, who is battling breast cancer, with community members filling the room to celebrate her six years of service including revamping mental health treatment and creating an internship program.
LOCAL LICENSING & BUSINESS DECISIONS
Marshfield Approves New Brewery in Brant Rock
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The Select Board unanimously approved both wine and malt beverage restaurant and entertainment licenses for Modest Roots Brewing South at 25 Dyke Road, paving the way for a taproom and bar pizza establishment. Manager Andrew Gittleman, whose family operates a brewery in Tyngsborough, explained this location won’t brew on-site but will serve beers from the existing brewery plus wine and pizza. Operating hours: 12 PM-10 PM during summer, 4 PM-10 PM off-season, Thursday through Sunday year-round with daily operations during summer. While Gittleman checked off entertainment options, he clarified no immediate plans for live music, though he left open the possibility of a single musician. Select Board member Trish Simpson inquired about flood zone compliance; Gittleman assured renovations would remain under the 50% threshold of assessed value to avoid triggering modern code requirements. The meeting also featured significant discussion about interim town administrator transitions, labor counsel selection, and potential debt exclusion votes for school roof repairs and South Shore Vocational Technical High School financing.
Pembroke Revokes Outdoor Entertainment License for Tavern
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The Select Board voted 4-0 to revoke the outdoor live entertainment license for Somewhere Else Tavern after noise complaints from neighbor Shane Gokey, whose property sits approximately 85 feet from the entertainment area. Gokey testified decibel readings inside his home reached 70-80 decibels when music played, compared to baseline 30-40 decibels: “It echoes throughout my home...constantly for three hours.” Deputy Chief Wendy LaPierre confirmed she believed the noise “unreasonable and exceeded what would be considered normal.” The tavern’s attorney argued vigorously that the board hadn’t properly applied the noise bylaw requiring measurements at 400 feet, not 85 feet, and emphasized only one family complained. Town Manager Bill Chenard clarified that when the Gokeys purchased in 2020, “there were no outdoor entertainment licenses. Pembroke had never issued one.” Board member John Brown expressed frustration: “I don’t want this because, as we all know, this took up our whole summer,” suggesting he would vote to deny all future outdoor entertainment permits to avoid similar conflicts. Owner Jason Cook emphasized financial and personal toll: “I’m done, man.”
Hingham Approves $300K Salt Contract
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The Select Board unanimously approved a $300,000 contract with Eastern Minerals Incorporated for rock salt and solar salt at $63 per ton—significantly lower than the $85-95 per ton the town would pay without participating in a collective purchasing agreement with 27 other municipalities organized by Medfield. Procurements Officer David Sequeira emphasized the substantial savings achieved through the coalition. The majority of salt will come from international sources including Mexico, Argentina, and Ireland. DPW Superintendent Ashley Sanford described solar salt as chemically treated and “better for us being such a coastal community.” The contract runs through June 30, 2026, with per-delivery invoicing meaning actual costs could be lower if winter is mild. Last year the town ordered approximately $285,000 worth. Select Board member Liz Klein noted the current $63 rate represents a slight decrease from last year’s $65 per ton. The board also proclaimed October 13 as Indigenous Peoples Day and approved a special one-day license for Untold Brewing’s “Booze and Brews” Halloween event at Derby Street Shops.
Looking Ahead
The common threads running through this week’s coverage are impossible to ignore: aging infrastructure, escalating fixed costs, and the limitations of Proposition 2½ are forcing difficult conversations in every community. Whether it’s Cohasset delaying a public safety building despite known deficiencies, Hanover projecting deficits despite an override, or Rockland potentially waiting a decade for Union Point tax revenue due to water infrastructure gaps, the South Shore’s municipalities are confronting a fundamental mismatch between needs and resources.
Special town meetings are coming fast: Kingston’s is October 28th, Plymouth’s is October 18th, Cohasset’s is November 3rd, and Pembroke’s is October 21st. For those of you serving on advisory committees, finance committees, and select boards, the decisions being made right now will echo for years—both in the projects we approve and in the problems we defer.
This newsletter compiled from South Shore News coverage October 7-8, 2025. For complete meeting videos and additional details, visit the individual story links above.